This is undoubtedly the headline clash of the Premier League round!
Manchester United, after three games, have 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 defeat, sitting 11th in the league table with 4 points. Manchester City, meanwhile, have 1 win and 2 defeats, collecting only 3 points, languishing in 16th place—level with West Ham, who are in the relegation zone.
It is hard to imagine such a scenario when comparing the two clubs in the post-Ferguson era.
From 1993 to 2013, the Premier League was United’s kingdom: 13 league titles and 2 Champions League crowns, a dominance unmatched. But from 2014 to 2024, the throne passed across town: City reigned supreme with 7 league titles and a Champions League trophy, again unmatched in the same period.
Last season, both sides endured their worst years of the modern era. United slumped to 15th in the Premier League and lost the Europa League final—its lowest point since Ferguson’s departure. City also endured Pep Guardiola’s toughest campaign: finishing third in the league, crashing out in the Champions League knockout playoff, and losing the FA Cup final.
Despite heavy summer investment, both giants are still searching for answers.
Manchester City: Expensive, but not convincing
The summer transfer market spotlight was on Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea—but City quietly spent big. From last winter to this summer, their spending has reached almost €400 million. Yet this doesn’t look like a title-winning squad, nor does Pep seem like a title-winning coach right now.
Up front, Erling Haaland remains a powerhouse, but Guardiola must find the best way to use him, as glimpsed from his international performances. In defense, the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma may help, but improvements remain to be seen. In midfield, the absence of a peak Kevin De Bruyne leaves them without a true orchestrator, while doubts remain over Rodri’s fitness and form after injury.
Manchester United: New attack, same problems
United invested over €200 million this summer to assemble a brand-new attacking trident: Benjamin Šeško, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha. Of the three, only Mbeumo has found the net, scoring twice. Šeško is still adjusting as a substitute, while Cunha is sidelined by injury with no clear return date.
Like City, United’s bigger issue lies in defense. André Onana and Altay Bayındır both failed to convince, and now new signing Lammy is tasked with bringing stability between the posts.
Recent Form
Manchester City: 7 wins, 1 draw, and 2 defeats in their last 10 matches in all competitions. However, they have lost back-to-back league matches.
Manchester United: 4 wins, 5 draws, and 1 defeat in their last 10 matches. Last weekend, they finally claimed their first league win of the season, narrowly beating Burnley 3-2 at Old Trafford—a much-needed relief for coach Rúben Amorim.
Head-to-Head
In their last 10 meetings, City hold a slight edge with 5 wins, 2 draws, and 3 defeats. However, in the most recent 4 derbies, United are unbeaten, with 2 wins and 2 draws. Interestingly, Amorim has a proven record against City—back in his Sporting CP days, he masterminded a stunning 4-1 home win over Guardiola’s side in the Champions League.
⚽ Fixture: Manchester City vs Manchester United
🏆 Competition: Premier League, Round 4
📅 Date: September 14, 2025
⏰ Kick-off: 23:30
